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Breakfast Nooks, Sunny Side Up
Banish early-morning darkness with a bright breakfast nook — even if a window is only in your dreams
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Morning sunlight helps us wake up. (Those waking up in darkness thanks to the recent time change may be reminded of this.) Also, studies have shown that morning sunlight can help prevent depression. I can't think of a better reason to have a breakfast nook in a bright, light spot. If you have a nook that sits in a bay window, you're lucky. If you don't, we're here to help. Here are 9 ways to give your nook a sunny disposition.
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| 1. Use light colors and glossy finishes. Not only does this bright nook receive lots of natural light from the large windows, but it gets extra glow from the cabinet paint color. The icing on the cake is the white tile backsplash, which continues behind the booth and bounces the light around. |
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2. Reach for the sun with accessories. Bright yellow pillows play off the beautiful foliage outside this nook's expansive windows. All that's missing from this image are a few golden yolks.
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3. Add energy with bold color. This special breakfast corner gets so much light that it needed chocolate walls. Bold colors and fun prints aid in waking up the sleepy.
4. Choose shades that let in the light. There is such a thing as too much sun; these blinds nicely filter the light.
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| These light and elegant shades block blinding sunlight yet let the good light through. |
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5. Plan a bay window around your breakfast table. If you're building a home from the ground up or adding on to your kitchen, consider adding a bay that is sized for a breakfast nook. Built-in benches and the curve in the bay look like they were made to fit this table perfectly.
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Having a breakfast nook that's as snug and lovely as this one can be worth the expense of adding a micro addition.
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6. Integrate a window seat. This cozy area juts off the far end of this large kitchen, creating a bright spot and an intimate space. The proportions of the storage bench and the space allow for versatility; a larger rectangular table and more chairs coud fit into this space if the owner's needs change.
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See the rest of this home
by Ben Herzog
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7. If your nook is not in a bay, place it close to windows or doors. French doors and transom windows combined with white-painted walls and light floors provide plenty of light for this tucked-aside, curved breakfast spot.
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8. Choose nookish furnishings. Even if you don't have a physical nook or even a corner, you can still create the feel of a breakfast nook by mixing a banquette with a table and chairs. As you can see in this room, you don't even have to commit to permanently building in the banquette.
by Incorporated
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9. Use smoke and mirrors to create more look. Well, replace "smoke" with "globe pendant lights" and you'll have a well-lit breakfast area. This space has only one window, so the designer made the most of it. A mirror reflects the light, and two globe pendants add extra wattage on those dark, early-wake-up-call days.
More:
11 Ways to Dress Up Your Breakfast Nook
13 Ways to Create an Inviting Eat-In Kitchen
Cuddly Nooks for Every Room
More:
11 Ways to Dress Up Your Breakfast Nook
13 Ways to Create an Inviting Eat-In Kitchen
Cuddly Nooks for Every Room
Ideabook published on March 17, 2012.
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